Meinl-Reisinger Calls for UN Reform
"We, even large countries like the USA, will need multilateralism. Perhaps in a more effective form, that is what I would wish for," said the NEOS party leader. There is no alternative to the UN, emphasized Meinl-Reisinger.
On one hand, a reform of the UN Security Council is needed because it still reflects "the world order from 70 years ago." In a multipolar world order, for example, "African and South American states must have the right to have more say." On the other hand, the importance of the UN in the area of peacekeeping must be highlighted. "100,000 Austrians have participated in this. That means we are a factor," said the Foreign Minister.
Meinl-Reisinger Calls for UN Reform
The relationship with the USA is currently being reorganized, and much of what has been heard from the new government of Donald Trump is not helpful. "For us, it is completely clear that territorial integrity, sovereignty, must apply in every part of the world. Not just in relation to Ukraine," said Meinl-Reisinger. One cannot simply say: "With force - military, economic, whatever - I will now take what I believe is rightfully mine."
As a small country, it is more difficult for Austria to engage with Trump's transactional approach. "We do not have these means of pressure. But it may also be an approach that we need to use more strongly in Austria and especially in the EU," said the Foreign Minister. Europe must certainly look more at its own interests.
Meinl-Reisinger: "Trump is the Personification of Disruption"
In the "Presse" interview, Meinl-Reisinger called the US President "the personification of disruption." The question is how far this disruption will go. As a relentless optimist, she hopes that it is a push and that something new can fruitfully emerge from it in synergy.
Vienna, as a place for peace talks for Ukraine, is of course ready, the Foreign Minister continued, also bringing into play a role for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which is based in Vienna. Additionally, Meinl-Reisinger defended Austria's candidacy for a two-year membership in the UN Security Council, because "if you don't have a say: Then decisions are made over your heads."
The imprisonment of Istanbul's mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the main opponent of the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was described by Meinl-Reisinger as "very concerning." At the same time, she regretted that the European Union, due to a lack of unity, was unable to issue a joint statement. However, she considers breaking off relations with Turkey to be pointless at this time.
(Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.